A little farmer’s adventure

Seven-year-old Roman Boyd features in Daryl Granger’s documentary, Young Farmer, showing at the Strand Movie Theatre in Simcoe. 

Ian Milmine

What’s for Dinner Norfolk County?

Daryl Granger’s ‘Young Farmer’ is a beautifully crafted, educational, and often humorous documentary told through the eyes of seven-year-old boy, Roman Boyd.

The film invites viewers into Roman’s world, where moments of inspiration, laughter, and admiration unfold as he learns to grow crops and sell them at the Simcoe Farmers’ Market. It’s an engaging journey that offers both insight and enjoyment. It may even inspire families to start their own gardens together.

This documentary is the latest work from local independent filmmaker and photographer Daryl Granger, owner of RoseLe Studio in Simcoe, and creator of the award-winning documentary Netting the Waters.

With thoughtful storytelling and striking visuals, Granger brings to life the challenges and rewards of farming. At the heart of the film is Roman and Greg Boyd. Greg takes on the meaningful task of teaching his youngest son the realities of farm life. Roman gains a hands-on understanding of what it truly means to be a farmer, while audiences are guided through the entire agricultural process - from selecting seeds and preparing soil to planting, nurturing crops, harvesting, and post-season soil care.

The film thoughtfully highlights the daily dedication and hard work required in farming.

Young Farmer begins with a brief history of the Boyd family, tracing their immigration from Ireland to North Walsingham in 1862. For more than six generations - 163 years - the Boyd family has been feeding their community.

Viewers are introduced to both the sixth and seventh-generation farmers, who warmly welcome audiences into their home and into Roman’s farming journey. Much of the film takes place at Heritage Lane Produce, with appearances from several recognizable local establishments.

Granger’s visual storytelling is both striking and heartfelt. He captures vegetables in a way that is vibrant and visually compelling. His cinematography and narrative approach first showcased in Netting the Waters, once again leaves a lasting impression. Filmed without scripts or reshoots, Young Farmer relies on raw, authentic footage paired with a thoughtful musical score. The result is an engaging and genuine documentary that stands as another must-see achievement from Granger.

As a self-proclaimed foodie, I am sure you will love Young Farmer because it brings food back to its very beginning. The film doesn’t just show vegetables, it celebrates them. From the careful selection of seeds to the rich colours of freshly harvested produce, the cinematography makes food feel alive, intentional, and beautiful. You gain a deeper appreciation for the work, patience, and passion behind every ingredient that ends up on your plate.

Young Farmer also highlights the connection between farming, family, and community - especially through scenes at the Simcoe Farmers’ Market - reminding food lovers why local, seasonal produce matters. Watching a child experience the entire farm-to-market process reinforces the value of knowing where your food comes from and the people who grow it.

For anyone who loves food not just for its taste, but for its story, craftsmanship, and origins, Young Farmer is a heartfelt and visually satisfying experience that deepens your respect for every meal.

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Young Farmer is currently playing at The Strand Movie Theatre in Simcoe, 55 Robinson Street.

Online tickets are available at https://simpli.events/u/strand-theatre-simcoe . There are 200 online tickets available for each screening. Online sales close three days prior to the screening.

There are also 100 in-person tickets available for each screening, which can be purchased at the Strand Theatre Tuesdays-Thursdays 6:15-7:15 p.m. or Saturdays and Sundays 1:15-2:15 and 6:15-7:15 p.m.

Total capacity is 300. Any unsold tickets will be available in-person on the day of the screening (the box office opens 45-60 minutes before the screening).

For more information call the Strand at 226-534-1532, or email office@strandtheatre.ca .

Young Farmer’s premiere was Monday, Jan. 12.

Upcoming January shows include:

Thursday, Jan. 15, 2 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 17, 4:15 p.m.

Monday Jan. 19, 2 & 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 24, 4:15 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 26, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 29, 2 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 31, 4:15 p.m.

Young Farmer will also show on Feb. 7, Feb. 9, Feb. 14, Feb. 16, Feb. 19, Feb. 21, March 5, March 7, March 16, March 21, March 26, and March 30.